Arsenal boss branded referee a 'disgrace'

FOOTBALL: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger accused referee Mike Dean of dishonesty and branded him a "disgrace” after the Gunners' controversial draw against West Bromwich Albion.

A fired-up Wenger confronted Dean after West Brom were awarded a late penalty during the sides' Premier League match on December 31. The match ended in a 1-1 draw after the hosts converted the spot-kick.

Wenger's outburst earned him a $69,000 fine and the independent disciplinary panel slapped him with a three-match touchline ban for misconduct.

Wenger served the final match of the ban in Sunday's 2-1 defeat at Bournemouth but details of the confrontation have now been revealed in an official Football Association report released yesterday.

Arsene Wenger, centre, watches on from the stands.Alastair Grant

The FA reports includes testimony from Dean who said Wenger had confronted the officials in their changerooms after the game.